What Peter Kropotkin thinks about capitalism
Russian anarchist political philosopher and geographer (1842 to 1921), a proponent of anarchist communism; lived in exile in England from 1886 to 1917; author of Mutual Aid: A Factor of Evolution (1902).
Peter Kropotkin did not write this page.
We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.
Filter capitalism · Newest first
Only Peter Kropotkin on capitalism. See everyone on capitalism
5 dated positions, c. 1892, in their own words. Our reading of what Peter Kropotkin has said — not written or endorsed by them.
-
Their wordsIndividual appropriation is neither just nor serviceable. All belongs to all.
↗The Conquest of Bread (1892; anonymous English translation of 1906, Vanguard Press reprint 1926)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
-
Their wordsA political revolution can be accomplished without shaking the foundations of industry, but a revolution where the people lay hands upon property will inevitably paralyse exchange and production.
↗The Conquest of Bread (1892; anonymous English translation of 1906, Vanguard Press reprint 1926)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
-
Their wordsIt is absolutely impossible that mercantile production should be carried on in the interest of all. To desire it would be to expect the capitalist to go beyond his province and to fulfil duties that he cannot fulfil without ceasing to be what he is—a private manufacturer seeking his own enrichment.
↗The Conquest of Bread (1892; anonymous English translation of 1906, Vanguard Press reprint 1926)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
-
Their wordsServices rendered to society, be they work in factory or field, or mental services, cannot be valued in money.
↗The Conquest of Bread (1892; anonymous English translation of 1906, Vanguard Press reprint 1926)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book
-
Our readingThe division of labour stamps people for life into narrow tasks with no view of the whole
Their wordsThe division of labour means labelling and stamping men for life—some to splice ropes in factories, some to be foremen in a business, others to shove huge coal-baskets in a particular part of a mine; but none of them to have any idea of machinery as a whole, nor of business, nor of mines.
↗The Conquest of Bread (1892; anonymous English translation of 1906, Vanguard Press reprint 1926)gutenberg.org All 20 from this book